Audi hiked global July sales by 10% to 131,300 units

Audi posted a 10-percent jump in global sales in July 2013 to 131,300 units, thanks to strong gains in China and growing demand for its sports utility vehicles. The German luxury carmaker posted also a 7-percent surge in global sales in the first seven months of 2013 to 911,800 vehicles. Audi logged strong growth in China of 27 percent in July and 19 percent in the first seven months of 2013.

The carmaker also posted a 14-percent hike in sales in the United States but logged a 2-percent drop in Europe. Luca de Meo, Audi's board member for sales, said in a statement that after a strong first half, they expect to exceed their strategic target of 1.5 million deliveries in 2013, “two years earlier than planned."

The carmaker’s expectation was underscored by a gain in deliveries in July, boosted by strong demand for their new A3 family and Q3 and Q5 SUVs." Audi posted a 62-percent jump in Q3 sales in the first seven months of 2013, thanks to growing demand for smaller, more affordable, more fuel efficient SUVs grow around the world.

Daimler has acknowledged that one reason why its Mercedes-Benz luxury brand is currently behind Audi and BMW is the lack of an offering that would rival the Q3 and BMW X1. Mercedes, however, won’t be silent anymore as it plans to unveil the production version of its GLA SUV at the Frankfurt auto show next month.

Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche is aiming to make Mercedes the best -selling premium brand by 2020. Audi is a vital unit for parent Volkswagen Group as it has helped boost the group’s credit rating to it could finance an ongoing acquisition splurge, resulting to an expansion that already includes Porsche, MAN, and Ducati. Audi’s net cash of around EUR13.5 billion ($17.97 billion) at the end of June allowed Volkswagen to have enough funds on its coffers, averting around EUR2.2 billion in debts.